Occasionally something comes across our path after our print calendar gets put together (which should be back from the printer and on it’s way onto your fridge any moment now) that’s worth adding to our lineup. Here’s a film screening freshly added to our events calendar but won’t be in the print edition (yet another reason to subscribe to the Have Faith In Worthless Knowledge RSS feed):
“This Is Not A Show ventures back to July 2007 when R.E.M. set-up camp at the venerable Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland for five nights and tested new material before fired-up, capacity crowds comprised of friends, family, and fans from all over the world. Documenting a self-described “experiment in terror” for the band, French filmmakers Vincent Moon (who is noted for his work with Arcade Fire, The Shins, and The National) and Jeremiah provide a fascinating up-close look at these ambitious live rehearsals. By showing us sets out of chronological order, alternating between black-and-white performance footage and behind-the-scenes color sequences, and toying with the audiences field of view, we are always kept engaged and eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
It is impossible not to be hooked as the film draws to a close all too soon, leaving viewers with the palpable frantic energy of these shows, wishing they could have been there in person, but knowing they got the next best thing. A treat for die hard R.E.M. fans as well as novices, This Is Not A Show is not to be missed.
